ACCESSIBILITY

Various music makers and building blocks are available and fun for all children, whether they have a disability or not.

The park features a large pipe tunnel embedded in a grassy hillside for children of most abilities to play in.

Music makers such as this upright xylophone are very beneficial to children with cognitive disabilities.

ParkWithHeart Neighborhood parks are the heart of any community. Places to play outdoors are a good part of the answer to the problems of obesity, depression, anxiety, and isolation. The new and unusual Downtown Playground is already popular with Woodstock’s younger generation. It not only fits the environment; it also provides accessibility to all. The kids just know it’s fun, but a great deal of thought and research went into its layout and elements.

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[www.EnjoyCherokee.com]

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by Leana Conway, Woodstock Resident

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ompleted this summer, the playground incorporates natural elements and textures of the landscape, with climbing mounds and tunnels that lure children into playing and exploring. The ADA-accessible ramp and boardwalk lead to a play area that allows children with physical challenges to enjoy the park and engage with music and building pieces. Hammocks and a twenty-foot-tall jungle gym lure children to climb, play, and interact with the structure in various ways. Brian Stockton, director of Economic Development Woodstock City, explains the inception of the park on the corner of Elm and Market streets. “The mayor and the City Council prioritized the park for design and funding in response to overwhelming requests from the public, whose comments were also considered in the process. The location lent itself to be designed as a natural playground.” The funds for the project came from SPLOST money and Parks and Recreation Impact Fee funds. The natural playground incorporates elements not typical of playground structures. Organic materials such as earth, stones, and wood give the park the feel of a natural forest. Its accessible play areas allow people with special needs to use the park features while they encourage play among children with